Grand Living in Lakewood Ranch celebrates three milestone birthdays

By Jay Heater
| 10:00 a.m. September 16, 2023

East County
Neighbors

Addressing about 100 neighbors, friends and family at Grand Living of Lakewood Ranch Sept. 15, Don Patterson said his mom, Ann Patterson, has changed her mind as she approaches 100 years old.

"She said, 'I never thought I wanted to be 100," Don Patterson said. "But now that it is here, why not?'"

Ann Patterson, who was born Feb. 10, 1924, was among three Grand Living residents being honored as they neared or hit their milestone birthday.

Mary Myers turned 100 on Sept. 15, and, of course, there was cake for everyone. While she doesn't cook as much as she did when she raised five children, she still loves Greek food. She loves the lamb dinners at Grand Living, but she said she could offer them a few tips about cooking the dish.

Her son, Jim Myers, noted that his mom met Elvis Presley in 1959, and that she loves God, family, country, life, and a glass of champagne.

Evelyn Zorn will reach 100 years old on Jan. 2.

"(Turning 100) is a special day for so many reasons," said Evelyn's son, Eric Zorn. "It is achieving a milestone we all aspire to. All of us get to be young, but not all of us get to grow old."

Ann Patterson, Mary Myers and Evelyn Zorn at Grand Living in Lakewood Ranch.

Ann Patterson, Mary Myers and Jim Myers at Grand Living Sept. 15 on Mary Myers' 100th birthday.

Michael John Myers with Mary Myers after World War II.

Mary Myers on her 100th birthday Sept. 15 at Grand Living with her granddaughter Karoline Myers Brown.

Ann Patterson with her husband David in 1946.

Mary Beth and Don Patterson with Don's mom, 99-year-old Ann Patterson.

Eric Zorn tells his mom, Evelyn Zorn, "Mom, I want to thank you for always being there."

Don Patterson tells the crowd that his mom, Ann Patterson is a great mom, cook, housekeeper, photographer, world traveler and party thrower.

Evelyn Zorn, who turns 100 in January, her son Eric Zorn, and Grand Living Executive Director Michelle Orlando.

author

Jay Heater

Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.